While South Bend mayor and presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg seems to be a big fan of Lil Nas X, the pop star is steering clear of any association with the politician. 

On Thursday, the “Old Town Road” pop star headlined a live variety show in New York hosted by Buzzfeed. According to The Daily Beast, the event that featured performances and appearances from celebrities and public figures was set to include Buttigieg, who would appear on video singing “Old Town Road” alongside Lil Nas X. However, according to sources, the pop star declined the idea. 

Consequently, the Democratic candidate did not participate in the event. 

Sources say that Lil Nas X did not decline the collaboration request with the presidential hopeful for personal reasons, but instead to avoid any links to a candidate endorsement. 

Buttigieg, who is openly gay, commended Lil Nas X for coming out in late June. 

“As a fan, I’m thrilled and inspired to see him standing in his truth as a member of the LGBTQ community,” the mayor tweeted. “Welcome to the family!”

Neither Lil Nas X nor the Buttigieg campaign have commented following the awkward incident.

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